South Carolina Auto Insurance Requirements: Minimum Coverage (2026)

Quick Answer: South Carolina Minimum Auto Insurance

South Carolina requires all drivers to carry liability insurance with these minimum limits:

This is commonly written as 25/50/25. Unlike many states, South Carolina also mandates uninsured motorist coverage at the same 25/50 limits—you cannot waive this protection.

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What South Carolina Law Requires

Under South Carolina Code of Laws Section 38-77-140, all drivers must:

1. Maintain liability insurance meeting minimum requirements
2. Carry mandatory UM/UIM coverage (cannot be rejected)
3. Provide proof of insurance at traffic stops and accidents
4. Maintain continuous coverage to avoid penalties

Understanding 25/50/25 Coverage

Bodily Injury Liability - $25,000/$50,000

This covers injuries you cause to other people:

• $25,000 maximum per injured person
• $50,000 maximum per accident (total for all injured people)
• Covers medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering
• Does NOT cover your own injuries

Property Damage Liability - $25,000

This covers damage you cause to others' property:

• Other vehicles you hit
• Buildings, fences, guardrails
• Other personal property
• Does NOT cover damage to your own vehicle

Uninsured Motorist Coverage - $25,000/$50,000

This protects YOU when hit by uninsured drivers:

• Covers your injuries from uninsured drivers
• Covers hit-and-run accidents
• Required by law—cannot be waived
• Critical protection in SC where ~12% of drivers lack insurance

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South Carolina's Mandatory UM Coverage Law

South Carolina is one of few states that makes uninsured motorist coverage mandatory and non-waivable.

Why SC Requires UM Coverage

UM Coverage Requirements

• Must match your liability limits (minimum 25/50)
• Cannot be rejected or waived
• Automatically included in all policies
• Underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage also required

What This Means: If an uninsured driver causes an accident injuring you, your own UM coverage pays your medical bills and damages up to your policy limits.

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Penalties for Driving Uninsured in South Carolina

South Carolina enforces insurance laws strictly:

First Offense

Second Offense (within 3 years)

Third Offense

If You Cause an Accident While Uninsured

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SCDMV Insurance Verification System

South Carolina uses an electronic insurance verification system:

How It Works

1. Insurers report coverage to SCDMV database
2. Law enforcement checks at traffic stops
3. Automatic alerts when coverage lapses
4. Electronic monitoring of all registered vehicles

What Happens When Coverage Lapses

Day 1-15: Insurance company notifies SCDMV of cancellation

Day 16: SCDMV sends suspension notice to your address

Day 46: If no response, license and registration are suspended

To reinstate:

• Provide proof of current insurance (SR-22 may be required)
• Pay reinstatement fee ($200-$550 depending on offense)
• Pay any fines or penalties
• Maintain continuous coverage going forward

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Why South Carolina's Minimums Aren't Enough

While SC has higher minimums than some states, they're still inadequate for many accidents:

Real-World Cost Comparison

What Happens When Minimums Aren't Enough

Example: You cause an accident injuring three people with $90,000 in combined medical bills and totaling two vehicles worth $60,000.

• Total damages: $150,000
• Your 25/50/25 coverage pays: $75,000 maximum
• You owe: $75,000 out of pocket

The injured parties can:

• Sue you for the remaining amount
• Garnish your wages (up to 25% of disposable income)
• Place liens on your property
• Force sale of assets to satisfy judgment

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Recommended Coverage for South Carolina Drivers

Insurance experts recommend these coverage levels for SC:

Minimum Recommended: 50/100/50

Better Protection: 100/300/100

Additional Coverages to Consider

Medical Payments (MedPay)

• Covers your medical bills regardless of fault
• Pays quickly without waiting for claims to settle
• Typical limits: $1,000-$10,000
• Cost: $30-80 annually

Collision Coverage

• Pays to repair your car after accidents
• Required if you have a loan or lease
• Subject to deductible ($250-$1,000)
• Cost varies by vehicle value

Comprehensive Coverage

• Covers theft, vandalism, weather, animals
• Required if you have a loan or lease
• Subject to deductible
• Essential in coastal areas (hurricane risk)

Umbrella Liability

• Provides $1-5 million additional coverage
• Covers liability beyond auto policy limits
• Also covers home liability
• Cost: $200-500 annually for $1 million

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SR-22 Requirements in South Carolina

Some drivers must file an SR-22 certificate of financial responsibility:

When SR-22 Is Required

• DUI/DWI conviction
• Accumulating 12+ points on driving record
• Driving without insurance (if accident involved)
• At-fault accident while uninsured
• Multiple moving violations
• Driving with suspended license

SR-22 Requirements in South Carolina

How to Get SR-22 in South Carolina

1. Contact insurance company that offers SR-22 filing
2. Purchase or modify policy meeting state minimums
3. Insurer files SR-22 electronically with SCDMV
4. Pay reinstatement fees to SCDMV
5. Maintain continuous coverage for required period
6. Any lapse restarts the 3-year clock

Important: Not all insurers offer SR-22 filing. You may need a non-standard or high-risk insurer.

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Special Coverage Considerations for South Carolina

Hurricane and Weather Coverage

South Carolina's coastal location creates unique risks:

Comprehensive coverage is essential for:

• Hurricane damage (wind, flooding)
• Fallen trees and debris
• Hail damage (common in upstate)
• Flood damage from coastal storms

Note: Comprehensive insurance covers wind damage, but not flooding. Flood coverage requires separate flood insurance.

Uninsured Motorist Rate

South Carolina has approximately 12% uninsured drivers (above national average). This makes the mandatory UM coverage even more valuable—and higher UM limits even more important.

Tourism and Rental Vehicles

Myrtle Beach and Charleston attract millions of tourists:

• Out-of-state drivers may carry minimal coverage
• Rental vehicles sometimes have lower limits
• UM/UIM coverage protects against tourist accidents

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How Much Does South Carolina Auto Insurance Cost?

Average annual premiums in South Carolina:

Factors affecting your rate:

• Age and driving experience (under 25 pay more)
• Driving record (accidents, tickets, DUI)
• Location (Charleston and Myrtle Beach are higher)
• Vehicle type and value
• Credit score (significant factor in SC)
• Annual mileage
• Coverage levels and deductibles
• Marital status (married drivers pay less)

South Carolina vs. Neighboring States

South Carolina rates are moderate compared to neighboring states.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is car insurance required in South Carolina?

Yes. South Carolina law requires all drivers to carry minimum liability insurance of 25/50/25 plus mandatory uninsured motorist coverage. Driving without insurance results in fines, license suspension, and reinstatement fees.

Can I reject uninsured motorist coverage in South Carolina?

No. Unlike most states, South Carolina makes UM/UIM coverage mandatory and non-waivable. All policies must include UM coverage at minimum 25/50 limits. This protects you when hit by uninsured or underinsured drivers.

What happens if I let my insurance lapse in South Carolina?

Your insurer notifies SCDMV within days. SCDMV sends a suspension notice requiring proof of insurance within 30 days. If you don't respond, your license and registration are suspended. Reinstatement requires proof of insurance, reinstatement fees ($200+), and possibly SR-22 filing.

Can I drive in South Carolina with out-of-state insurance?

Yes, if you're visiting. Your out-of-state policy covers you temporarily. However, if you become a South Carolina resident, you must obtain SC insurance within 90 days of establishing residency or registering your vehicle.

Does South Carolina have no-fault insurance?

No. South Carolina is an "at-fault" (tort) state. The driver who causes an accident is responsible for damages. Their insurance pays claims from injured parties. This is why adequate liability coverage is critical.

How do I get cheap insurance in South Carolina?

To lower rates:

• Shop around—rates vary significantly between companies
• Bundle auto and home insurance (10-25% discount)
• Maintain good credit score
• Complete defensive driving course
• Increase deductibles ($500 to $1,000 saves ~15%)
• Ask about all available discounts
• Maintain continuous coverage (no lapses)

What is South Carolina's point system?

South Carolina uses a point system for violations:

• 12+ points = license suspension
• DUI = 6 points
• Reckless driving = 6 points
• Speeding 25+ mph over = 6 points
• Speeding 10-24 mph over = 4 points
• Points remain for 2 years

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Key Takeaways

• South Carolina requires 25/50/25 minimum liability coverage
• Uninsured motorist coverage is mandatory (25/50) and cannot be waived
• State minimums are inadequate for many real-world accidents
• Recommended coverage: At least 50/100/50 with higher UM limits
• Driving uninsured results in fines, suspension, and reinstatement fees
• Electronic monitoring catches insurance lapses quickly
• SR-22 required for DUI, multiple violations, or uninsured accidents
• Hurricane risk makes comprehensive coverage essential for coastal drivers

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Important Disclaimer

This guide provides general information about South Carolina auto insurance requirements based on publicly available sources. This is not legal or insurance advice. Requirements and laws can change. Always verify current requirements with the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles and Department of Insurance.

Consult with a licensed insurance professional for advice specific to your situation.

Last verified: January 2026

Sources: South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV), South Carolina Code of Laws, South Carolina Department of Insurance